Method and system for ligating a body part

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to improved ligature devices and related methods of ligating animal parts. More specifically, a ligature device capable of maintaining a ligature band in an elongated position, applying a preformed ligation band to an object to be ligated, manually releasing the ligation band from an elongated position, and securing a ligation band in a tensioned position is described. The ligation device may be used to apply ligation bands to various body parts of various animals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ligature device for ligating an animal body part that does not require the use of cutting tools, comprising:
 an elastomeric member with a non-elastic portion attached thereto,
 the elastomeric member comprising at least one elastomeric material suitable for ligature procedures, wherein the elastomeric member is operable to at least partially surround the animal body part, 
 the non-elastic portion comprising a first end, wherein the non-elastic portion is operable to transmit a tension to the elastomeric member; and 
   a locking member adapted to receive the first end of the non-elastic portion,   wherein the locking member is adapted to allow for translation of the non-elastic portion through the aperture in a first direction following the first end of the non-elastic portion being received by the locking member, and   wherein the locking member is adapted to prevent translation of the non-elastic portion through the aperture in a second direction following the first end of the non-elastic portion being received by the locking member, thereby permitting tightening of the ligating device relative to the animal body part while maintaining tension within the elastomeric member.   
     
     
         2 . The ligature device of  claim 1 , wherein the locking member comprises an aperture and a projection provided within the aperture, and wherein the aperture is adapted to receive the first end of the non-elastic portion. 
     
     
         3 . The ligature device of  claim 2 , wherein the projection is adapted to engage the non-elastic portion following the first end of the non-elastic portion being received by the locking member. 
     
     
         4 . The ligature device of  claim 3 , wherein the projection is adapted to engage a surface of the non-elastic portion following the first end of the non-elastic portion being received by the locking member. 
     
     
         5 . The ligature device of  claim 4 , wherein the surface of the non-elastic portion is toothless prior to engagement of the non-elastic portion by the projection. 
     
     
         6 . The ligature device of  claim 4 , wherein the surface of the non-elastic portion is smooth prior to engagement of the non-elastic portion by the projection. 
     
     
         7 . The ligature device of  claim 2 , wherein the non-elastic portion having the first end comprises a tang having a first end, wherein the locking member comprises a collar, wherein the aperture comprises an opening on the collar, and wherein the projection comprises a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The ligature device of  claim 7 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one biasing member. 
     
     
         9 . The ligature device of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one biasing member comprises a ridge, a protrusion, a pawl, a hook, or a barb. 
     
     
         10 . The ligature device of  claim 8 , wherein the biasing member is adapted to move within the opening of the collar to allow for the translation of the non-elastic portion through the opening in the collar in the first direction following the first end of the tang being received by the collar. 
     
     
         11 . The ligature device of  claim 8 , wherein the biasing member is adapted to bear against a surface of the tang and prevent translation in the second direction following the first end of the tang being received by the collar. 
     
     
         12 . The ligature device of  claim 1 , wherein the non-elastic portion comprises a zip-tie. 
     
     
         13 . The ligature device of  claim 1 , wherein the ligature device is operable to be applied to the animal body part with a human hand. 
     
     
         14 . The ligature device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one elastomeric material comprises a rubber or a latex. 
     
     
         15 . A ligature device that does not require the use of cutting tools, comprising:
 an elastomeric member operable to at least partially surround an animal body part;   a substantially non-elastic member coupled to the elastomeric member; and   a locking member including an aperture operable to receive the substantially non-elastic member, the locking member further including a projection positioned within the aperture,   wherein the projection is operable to engage a surface of the substantially non-elastic member following the substantially non-elastic member being received within the aperture,   wherein the substantially non-elastic member is operable to transmit a tension to the elastomeric member following engagement of the surface of the substantially non-elastic member by the projection, and   wherein the substantially non-elastic member is operable to remain on the animal body part after the tensioning of the elastomeric member.   
     
     
         16 . The ligature device of  claim 15 , wherein the projection engaging the surface allows for only unidirectional translation of the substantially non-elastic member through the aperture. 
     
     
         17 . The ligature device of  claim 15 , wherein a surface of the substantially non-elastic member is smooth or toothless prior to engagement of the surface by the projection. 
     
     
         18 . The ligature device of  claim 15 , wherein the elastomeric member comprises a rubber or a latex, and wherein the substantially non-elastic member comprises a zip-tie. 
     
     
         19 . The ligature device of  claim 15 , wherein the ligature device is operable to be applied to the animal body part with a human hand. 
     
     
         20 . A ligature device, comprising:
 an elastomeric member coupled to a substantially non-elastic projection, wherein the substantially non-elastic projection includes a smooth surface; and   a locking member including an aperture with a locking projection positioned therein,   wherein the aperture is operable to receive the substantially non-elastic projection,   wherein the locking projection is configured to be disengaged from the smooth surface of the substantially non-elastic projection when the substantially non-elastic portion translates within the aperture in a first direction, and   wherein the locking projection is configured to engage the smooth surface of the substantially non-elastic projection to inhibit translation of the substantially non-elastic portion within the aperture in a second, different direction.